How to Fix an Electric Scooter

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Updated March 30, 2023

If you are new to the world of personal transportation vehicles, you may wonder how to fix an electric scooter. Even the best electric scooters, after all, are susceptible to a number of repair and maintenance issues. So how to avoid costly repairs, and what can you do all by yourself to keep that scooter running? Keep reading to find out.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Electric scooters are susceptible to all kinds of repair issues, so stay on top of general maintenance procedures.
  • Make sure the battery is fully charged, running it through a charging cycle to test its efficacy, as this is a common issue with an electric motor.
  • Check on the motor and its various components, like the circuit breaker and power switch, by inspecting the wires and giving the compartment a smell test.

Are Electric Scooters Fragile?

While not fragile, e-scooters can run into a number of issues with regular use, causing some owners to learn where is the fuse located on an e-scooter, among other maintenance tasks. To avoid such issues, preventative maintenance is necessary. This includes regularly checking the battery and electrical components, as well as following simple battery maintenance tips to make sure that your ride is functioning properly.

Besides repair issues, theft is another big concern with e-scooter owners, so you want to learn how to lock an electric scooter.

Insider Tip

Always wear a helmet and other safety gear, such as knee pads, when riding an electric scooter.

Regarding fragility, it also depends on the make and model, so look for the best dual-motor electric scooter to ensure longevity. Besides, some electric scooter repairs are more common depending on the type of motor used. For example, an electric scooter motor is usually more delicate than other types of motors. Therefore, it’s important to take care of your vehicle and perform regular maintenance checks to keep it running smoothly.

How to Repair Electric Scooters

There is no universal method to fix e-scooters, as it depends largely on the make, model, type, and specific maintenance issue. That’s why it’s important to find a reputable repair shop or professional who can provide an effective repair solution. A professional for repair of an e-scooter will be able to diagnose and fix your e-scooter quickly and safely, so you can get back on the road again.

With that said, let’s go over some common troubleshooting steps so you can figure out what is going on.

Check the Motor

Is your e-scooter not starting? Start by checking on the motor and its various components. Access the motor compartment and look for disconnected or loose wires. You can do this by smoothly and gently pulling these wires out by one. Look for anything melted or burned. Also, the wires should not be disconnected, so reconnect the wires when necessary. Also, give these various components a smell test. If something smells burned or melted, that indicates a motor issue.

Additionally, check for burnt-out components, blown fuses, or if a faulty component is a culprit. If these are present, you will need to replace them before your e-scooter can be operational again.

Charge and Check the Battery

Another troubleshooting step to perform if your e-scooter won’t start or hold a charge is to check on the integrated battery. Pull it out and plug it into the outlet for a full charging cycle. If that solved the problem, go on about your day. If that did not solve the problem, you could have a battery in dire need of a replacement. Contact your scooter manufacturer.

Additionally, if you need to buy a battery charger, make sure it is compatible with your scooter before buying. That way, you’ll prevent further battery issues and never find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having dead batteries.

STAT: If your electric scooter is slowing down or stopping during trips, especially on flat roads, this is a sign that your batteries are wearing down. (source)

Download New Drivers

Modern e-scooters integrate with dedicated apps and with smartphones, computers, and tablets. In other words, they use driver software to access these devices. Look for software updates, installing if necessary. This likely won’t revive a powered-down scooter, but it will allow for increased access to the app, which could include troubleshooting software.

Fixing an Electric Scooter FAQs

How do I fix a dead battery?

Replacing the battery is likely your best bet, though the issue could be caused by a faulty ignition fuse, a broken charger port, a faulty charger or defective charger, or even various loose connections.

How do I fix a speed or acceleration issue?

If your speed controller is not up to snuff, check on the battery, as a dead battery could be to blame. Also, check out the brake pad, brake lever switch, and even the circuit breaker and power switch.

Why is my electric scooter not charging?

It could be the power switch, circuit breaker, battery, wire connectors, key switch, or even an indicator light draining the system. Run through some troubleshooting steps, activate the reset button, check the voltage level, and start over.
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